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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Mount Pilatus, The Centovalli, and the Jungfrau

Independent Swiss rail trip via Mount Pilatus, Centovalli, and Jungfrau

Illustration of Mount Pilatus, The Centovalli, and the Jungfrau

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation, an 8-day, 7-night trip around Switzerland from Lucerne to Interlaken by way of Lugano. Two nights in Lucerne include a day trip up Mount Pilatus by gondola and cable car, with the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel at the summit. A scenic train then continues to Lugano for two nights of unstructured time, with options including the Hermann Hesse Museum or a boat cruise on Lake Lugano. The Centovalli Express carries travelers on to Interlaken, crossing 83 bridges and 34 tunnels between Locarno and Domodossola. Three nights in Interlaken include a free day for local sights such as Schynige Platte or Lake Brienz, and a day trip on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet. An indirect train returns travelers to Zurich on the final day. With several days left open rather than scheduled, the trip suits travelers who want Switzerland's named scenic trains without a fixed daily plan.

What to know before you look closer

  • Several days in the itinerary, including sightseeing in Lucerne, Lugano, and Interlaken, are free time rather than planned activities; travelers choose what to do and pay for extras like museum entry or boat cruises themselves.
  • The return journey from Interlaken to Zurich on the final day is described as an indirect train, meaning at least one change.
  • Railbookers lists 16 accommodation options across Lucerne and Lugano alone, spanning tiers from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern and the Villa Principe Leopoldo; which hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates or a season for this package; confirm timing and availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Welcome to the gateway to central Switzerland! When you arrive by train from Zurich, check into your hotel and take advantage of the rest of your day and evening by sightseeing at your own leisure. Visit the Chapel Bridge.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus

    You'll have breakfast then journey to the top of Mount Pilatus via an unforgettable gondola and cable car ride. Once at the top, you'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant. Make your way down the mountain to Kriens before a short bus ride back to Lucerne.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Lucerne to Lugano

    Start the morning with breakfast, and then take a scenic train ride to Lugano, where you can spend the rest of the day strolling through the Italian speaking region on your own.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

    After breakfast, continue exploring the city at your leisure. Take time to visit the Hermann Hesse Museum, pass a lazy afternoon in one of its many gorgeous botanical gardens, or book a boat cruise on glacial Lake Lugano.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Centovalli Express to Interlaken

    Following breakfast, board the Centovalli Express, which connects Locarno on Lake Maggiore with Domodossola in Italy. The route includes 83 bridges and 34 tunnels. Change trains in Domodossola to Brig and on to Bern.

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    After enjoying breakfast, the day is free for you to explore the charming town's activities and attractions on your own. Choose to roam around Hohematte or the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Gardens, visit the St Beatus Caves, or cruise Lake Brienz.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau

    After breakfast, you will climb to Europe's highest altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at a colossal 11,332 feet high. At Jungfraujoch, take in the breathtaking views of the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France.

  8. Day 8rail

    End Of Tour

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board an indirect train from Interlaken to Zurich to continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, please contact a Rail Expert for details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The trip opens with sightseeing in Lucerne at a traveler's own pace, including a visit to the Chapel Bridge.
  • Day 2A gondola and cable car ride climbs to the top of Mount Pilatus, where the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel sits at the summit.
  • Day 5The Centovalli Express connects Locarno on Lake Maggiore with Domodossola in Italy, crossing 83 bridges and 34 tunnels.
  • Day 7The Jungfrau Railway climbs to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet, with views toward the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains.

Included

  • Onward rail travel in standard class as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Lucerne
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Lugano
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation in Interlaken
  • Day trips to the Top of Mount Pilatus and the Jungfrau Railway

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Onward rail travel in standard class is included as per the itinerary, including the trip up Mount Pilatus, the Centovalli Express, and the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers. Several days are free time with no guide, though the day trips to Mount Pilatus and Jungfraujoch are included excursions.
Which named trains or excursions does it include?
The Mount Pilatus gondola and cable car, the Centovalli Express between Locarno and Domodossola, and the Jungfrau Railway between Interlaken and Jungfraujoch.
How much altitude or walking is involved?
Jungfraujoch reaches 11,332 feet, Europe's highest-altitude railway station; most other days in Lucerne, Lugano, and Interlaken are free time at a traveler's own pace.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
It runs 8 days and 7 nights, priced from $2,159 per person according to Railbookers.

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